What Happened That Night?

Throughout the valley, there were many fight clubs. Some were led by professionals, but the vast majority were run by people who had never stepped into a cage or won a tournament.

But Cobra Kai was different. Immediately after Max joined, they began earning national and international titles.

Now, with that video showing a bully getting what he deserved from a boy trained at Cobra Kai, its influence was spreading in a positive way.

Parents, most of them ex-marines, praised the idea of young people learning self-defense. Even if it seemed too violent, as long as proper protective measures were taken, every dad wanted their sons to grow into men under Cobra Kai's guidance.

Because of this, more and more students joined in the following days, to the point where the school became slightly overcrowded. That's when Max thought it would be a good idea for Cobra Kai to have a much larger facility with grounds connected to nature.

Not too far from the city, but in a location where students could even spend weekends training in intensive courses.

So Max asked his uncle Silver for help. Silver quickly acquired a site that had previously been owned by a furniture company.

The place was perfect. Max began working on a new project that would cost a lot of money, but with the inheritance from his parents and the profits from their company, money was not an issue.

This was how Max likely started one of the largest mixed martial arts schools in the country.

A place where even high-profile tournaments could be held.

...

A few days after Miguel finally got his long-awaited revenge, or rather, his act of justice, it became known that Sam had broken up with Kyler, who stopped attending school after that night.

So, like any other day, Max was lying back at a long table where they were preparing for the debate. He said, "I never thought this debate would be so intense, much more exciting than I could have imagined."

Of course, Max, who never forgot anything, failed to remember that this debate had gained importance because of the punishment he received for fighting in the school hallway.

Devon, of course, didn't complain because she wanted the attention. It would bring greater significance to her and, with it, better opportunities.

"The debate..."

Bert, sitting nervously beside him, was reading over his arguments. Hearing Max's words, he turned his head slightly and asked, "How can you be so calm just before we go in to debate?"

Max sighed and furrowed his brows. "Let's just say I've faced many surprises in my youth, so these kinds of emotions don't unsettle me."

Devon approached with a bundle of information-packed sheets and looked at Max, noticing he hadn't touched the notes she had given him about his part of the arguments. After observing him for a few seconds, she asked, "Do you plan on studying a little? It would be embarrassing for you to go silent in front of the students entering the hall to watch the debate."

"Relax, I've got it under control." Max didn't want to say much. He knew keeping Devon calm would benefit him before the debate began.

There was a video of Devon getting into a fight with a girl during a discussion about racism. The girl had claimed that people like Devon migrated to other countries only to seek benefits, while the Lee family lived there primarily for work.

That fight—though it wasn't much of one since it ended before it got exciting—was etched in Max's memory for how amusing it had been to watch.

At this moment, Devon was more excited than ever. This was her first open debate where any student could freely enter the auditorium to listen to the discussion.

The story of Devon's previous altercation during a debate had spread throughout the school, and the auditorium quickly filled with curious students hoping to see something exciting.

It was well known that the debate club's auditorium was usually empty unless some students were forced to attend in case debate topics appeared on exams. But today, without anyone being forced, the place filled up rapidly.

"Have you seen how handsome that guy with the white eye is? I wonder if he has a girlfriend. It would be amazing to date him."

"Keep dreaming—he has a girlfriend, and it's the same girl he's debating today. They're never seen apart, so your chances of even talking to him are slim."

"They're not dating."

"Even if they weren't, there are girls around him way hotter than all of us combined, so don't get your hopes up."

Ryan, who had entered the auditorium, quickly said, "I'll bet you a hundred bucks there'll be a fight."

"I don't think so, but it'd be awesome if it happened, even if I lose five bucks."

When Max stepped out of the room to prepare his debate materials, his eyes widened in surprise, and he muttered, "I told you this debate was a bad idea. We should've backed out when we had the chance."

Devon smiled, looking at the now-packed room. She had been preparing for this debate for a long time and was grateful for the opportunity to be heard.

She quickly walked over to the professor who would be judging the debate and waited for everything to be ready to begin.

The judge, who was a woman, nodded when she saw that everyone was ready to begin. She raised her hands and said, "Each participant has five minutes. The first two debaters, please step forward, and we'll start with the arguments against animal experimentation."

The main topic was animal experimentation, a highly relevant and trending issue nowadays.

Devon stood up and walked to the podium, where an active microphone awaited her. On the other side, someone else from the opposing team did the same, ready to present their argument against animal experimentation.

A girl with glasses looked at Devon with a defiant smile and began to speak in a clear voice:

"Today, the need for strict control over animal experimentation across the planet has become an obligation, not merely a necessity."

"It has been proven that Europe has good animal welfare standards based on knowledge, but this is not the case in all situations. If we do nothing now, the goal of achieving progress by regulating animal experimentation will result in a moral failure for society."

"Every year, over 115 million animals, counting only vertebrates, are subjected to experimentation supposedly for the benefit of humans. This includes practices such as forcing them to inhale toxic gases, applying corrosive substances to their skin and eyes, infecting them with HIV, or removing parts of their brains."

She paused briefly and pointed out:

"Certainly, the number of non-human animals who suffer and die because of these practices is far smaller than those victimized by the food industry or wild animals suffering from natural events."

"However, since the basic interests of these animals—not to suffer and not to die—matter, it is necessary to reflect on whether experimentation on them is ethically justified."

The argument against animal experimentation was very well-crafted—perfect for Max to comment on the girl's words later.

Everyone knew that the debate club was one of the most challenging activities, as not many were skilled at effective communication. However, the level of discussion happening right now had exceeded their expectations.

"I yield my time!" said the girl on the opposing side as she neared the end of her allotted minutes.

As the topic opened up, Devon glanced at the sheets of information in her hands, preparing to deliver her stance in favor of animal experimentation.

"Everyone should feel bad for how little they know about this topic. Let me tell you, animal experimentation has played a vital role in almost every medical breakthrough in the last decade."

Devon paused strategically, ensuring everyone was paying attention, and then spoke firmly:

"Practically all Nobel Prize winners in Medicine since 1901 have relied on data obtained from animal models. Believe it or not, we share 95% of our genes with mice, making them an effective model for human applications."

"Humans and animals are very similar; we have the same organ systems performing the same functions in roughly the same ways. Animals suffer from diseases similar to those of humans, including cancer, tuberculosis, influenza, and asthma."

Max was dozing off but, out of respect for Devon—who genuinely loved debates—forced himself to sit upright and maintain a serious expression.